If running economy improves, at a given submaximal speed an athlete will typically exhibit which of the following?

If running economy improves, at a given submaximal speed an athlete will typically exhibit which of the following?

• A. Higher Oxygen Uptake
• B. Lower Oxygen Uptake
• C. Higher Lactate Concentration
• D. Higher Energy Cost per Distance

Answer: (B)

Running economy is the oxygen cost of running at a given submaximal speed. When economy improves, the athlete uses less oxygen to maintain that speed, so oxygen uptake is lower. Because the energy cost per distance is tied to how much oxygen you use per meter, a lower VO2 at the same speed means a lower energy cost per distance, not a higher one. At submaximal effort, lactate is not the primary indicator of economy, and you wouldn’t expect it to rise simply because economy has improved.

Running economy is the oxygen cost of running at a given submaximal speed. When economy improves, the athlete uses less oxygen to maintain that speed, so oxygen uptake is lower. Because the energy cost per distance is tied to how much oxygen you use per meter, a lower VO2 at the same speed means a lower energy cost per distance, not a higher one. At submaximal effort, lactate is not the primary indicator of economy, and you wouldn’t expect it to rise simply because economy has improved.